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Is Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' toxic to cats?

Pastinaca sativa 'Hollow Crown'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsnip 'hollow crown' as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), an unrelated species. Parsnip foliage and sap contain phototoxic furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing the foliage and handle tops with gloves.

What to do if your cat ate parsnip 'hollow crown'

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move parsnip 'hollow crown' out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of parsnip 'hollow crown' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten parsnip 'hollow crown', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is parsnip 'hollow crown' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is parsnip 'hollow crown' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsnip 'hollow crown' as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), an unrelated species. Parsnip foliage and sap contain phototoxic furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing the foliage and handle tops with gloves.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats parsnip 'hollow crown'?

Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), an unrelated species. Parsnip foliage and sap contain phototoxic furanocoumarins (psoralens) that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing the foliage and handle tops with gloves. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to parsnip 'hollow crown'.

What should I do if my cat ate parsnip 'hollow crown'?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is parsnip 'hollow crown' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full parsnip 'hollow crown' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to parsnip 'hollow crown'?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full parsnip 'hollow crown' pet-safety